April 28, 2008 

BOISE, Idaho  – Congressman Bill Sali has announced that students from Coeur d’Alene and Spirit Lake are the winners of this year’s 1st Congressional District Congressional Art Contest, “An Artistic Discovery.”

Grace Morrissette of Coeur d’Alene, won 1st place for her work, “It’s About More than Just War.” Grace is a tenth grade student at Coeur d’Alene High School. Her work features a solider bending down to interact with a little boy dressed in red, white and blue. Sali selected Grace’s art work from among 14 entries from students throughout Idaho’s 1st District. For winning the congressional art contest, Grace’s work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Grace’s parents are Rob and Elizabeth Morrissette. Grace’s teacher is Terri Leonard.

“Often we speak generically about the ‘fight for freedom’ taking place overseas in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Grace’s artistic achievement is that she has put a face on the fight. She shows the soldiers who sacrifice and the children who benefit from that sacrifice in ways that words cannot describe nor do justice,” said Sali.

Bernadette Loibl of Spirit Lake, an 11th grade student at Timberlake High School, won second place. Bernadette submitted a watercolor entry featuring a horse. The entry was titled “Cabo.” Bernadette is the daughter of Paul and Tana Loibl. Her art teacher is Carrie Scozzaro.

Becky Lau of Coeur d’Alene, a 12th grade student at Coeur d’Alene High School, won third place. Her work is called “Looking Back” and features veterans and a United States flag. Becky’s teacher is Terri Leonard.

“Both Bernadette and Becky created some memorable art and demonstrated tremendous talent and enthusiasm for their subjects,” said Sali. “Their parents and their teachers have every right to be proud of the work these two students submitted. All of the students who entered art work deserve praise and recognition for their hard work.” Their art will be displayed in Congressman Sali’s regional offices.